In 1849, the first modern college of higher education in Iran, Dar-ol-Fonoon was established.

In 1918 the College of Medicine separated itself from the Dar-ol-Fononoon School and became an independent school under the management of the Ministry of Science.

In 1934, the University of Tehran was established with the School of Medicine as its first school, followed by The School of Law, School of Political Sciences, and The School of Engineering. In 1985, the management of medical education and related disciplines were transferred from the Ministry of Science to the Ministry of Health.

Finally in 2010, Iran University of Medical Sciences was integrated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences, making TUMS stronger than ever in research and resources.

TUMS is the symbol of excellence in medical higher education in Iran. It is the country's top research university, with an annual government grant of One Hundred Million Dollars. Each year about 2,000 students join different Schools of TUMS. They are selected by passing a highly competitive National Entrance Exam.